Female patients aged 18 years or above with histologically proven metastatic TNBC were included. Serum VEFG-A levels were measured at baseline, after the 3rd and 6th cycles of FAC chemotherapy regimen (Fluorourcil, Adriamycin, and Cyclophamide).
The overall RR was 57 % . The median PFS and OS were 7 and 11.2 months, respectively (95 % CI: 4.3–9.7 and 3.8–18.5 months, respectively). Patients whose disease progressed despite therapy had a significantly higher baseline VEGF-A level than those who did not progress. VEGF-A level did not drop with continuation of therapy. Patients with high VEGF-A level had a significantly lower PFS but not OS than patients with low levels.
The outcome of metastatic TNBC is poor with FAC chemotherapy regimen. Alternative chemotherapeutic regimens and novel therapeutic approaches including targeting of VEGF and/or its receptors are warranted.